About this position
Position: Head, Finance and Operations
Location: Princeton, New Jersey (hybrid; regular on-site presence required)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / President
About the Princeton University Store
Princeton University Retail is an independent, self-sustaining retail organization that serves Princeton students, alumni, families, staff, and visitors. We operate multiple locations and an e-commerce site, offering Princeton-branded apparel, gifts, supplies, and everyday essentials. The U-Store is in the midst of a multi-year transformation to modernize its operations, strengthen its omni-channel customer experience, and position the business for sustainable growth.
Position Summary
The Head of Finance and Operations is the senior business partner to the CEO and is responsible for the company's financial health and operational performance. This role oversees finance and accounting; omni-channel operations (retail stores, e-commerce fulfillment, and customer service); outsourced technology and systems vendors (including NetSuite and IT infrastructure); and the outsourced administrative vendor for benefits and payroll.
This leader builds the backbone that enables the business strategy, ensuring that people, processes, systems, and channels work together to deliver a strong customer experience, sustainable revenue growth, and profitability. The Head of Finance and Operations serves as the company’s number two executive and a key partner to the Board.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and long-range financial planning.
• Oversee accounting operations, internal controls, and the month-end and year-end close process in partnership with the Finance and Accounting Manager.
• Provide timely, clear financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making by the CEO, Merchants, Operations, E-commerce, and the Board.
• Own store and omni-channel operations in partnership with the Director, Store Operations, ensuring strong execution, inventory accuracy, and support for e-commerce services such as BOPIS, ship-from-store, and in-store returns.
• Act as executive owner of technology and systems (especially NetSuite and Suite Commerce), overseeing outsourced vendors, project priorities, and system improvements.
• Manage relationships with payroll, benefits, and HR administration vendors, as well as banks, auditors, and other key external partners.
• Sponsor and lead cross-functional projects that improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and strengthen customer experience and profitability.
• Build and develop a small, capable team across Finance and Operations; model a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• CPA or equivalent professional qualification strongly preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Finance and Operations, with at least 5 years at Director, Senior Director, or Head of Level.
• Experience in retail, omni-channel, or consumer products; multi-location retail experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record owning budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting for a $10M–$50M business or business unit.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite ERP; familiarity with e-commerce platforms and omni-channel processes is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage outsourced vendors, and drive process and systems improvements.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills; comfortable working with store teams, corporate staff, senior leadership, and Board members.
Location: Princeton, New Jersey (hybrid; regular on-site presence required)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer / President
About the Princeton University Store
Princeton University Retail is an independent, self-sustaining retail organization that serves Princeton students, alumni, families, staff, and visitors. We operate multiple locations and an e-commerce site, offering Princeton-branded apparel, gifts, supplies, and everyday essentials. The U-Store is in the midst of a multi-year transformation to modernize its operations, strengthen its omni-channel customer experience, and position the business for sustainable growth.
Position Summary
The Head of Finance and Operations is the senior business partner to the CEO and is responsible for the company's financial health and operational performance. This role oversees finance and accounting; omni-channel operations (retail stores, e-commerce fulfillment, and customer service); outsourced technology and systems vendors (including NetSuite and IT infrastructure); and the outsourced administrative vendor for benefits and payroll.
This leader builds the backbone that enables the business strategy, ensuring that people, processes, systems, and channels work together to deliver a strong customer experience, sustainable revenue growth, and profitability. The Head of Finance and Operations serves as the company’s number two executive and a key partner to the Board.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and long-range financial planning.
• Oversee accounting operations, internal controls, and the month-end and year-end close process in partnership with the Finance and Accounting Manager.
• Provide timely, clear financial reporting and analysis to support decision-making by the CEO, Merchants, Operations, E-commerce, and the Board.
• Own store and omni-channel operations in partnership with the Director, Store Operations, ensuring strong execution, inventory accuracy, and support for e-commerce services such as BOPIS, ship-from-store, and in-store returns.
• Act as executive owner of technology and systems (especially NetSuite and Suite Commerce), overseeing outsourced vendors, project priorities, and system improvements.
• Manage relationships with payroll, benefits, and HR administration vendors, as well as banks, auditors, and other key external partners.
• Sponsor and lead cross-functional projects that improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and strengthen customer experience and profitability.
• Build and develop a small, capable team across Finance and Operations; model a culture of accountability, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Business, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• CPA or equivalent professional qualification strongly preferred but not required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Finance and Operations, with at least 5 years at Director, Senior Director, or Head of Level.
• Experience in retail, omni-channel, or consumer products; multi-location retail experience strongly preferred.
• Proven track record owning budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting for a $10M–$50M business or business unit.
• Hands-on experience with NetSuite ERP; familiarity with e-commerce platforms and omni-channel processes is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives, manage outsourced vendors, and drive process and systems improvements.
• Strong analytical, communication, and leadership skills; comfortable working with store teams, corporate staff, senior leadership, and Board members.